Gymnastics Academy a cheer for Erika Sheridan

Published: July 8, 2004 12:00 AM

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By NAOMI SNYDERStaff WriterWEST SALEM Erika Sheridan's legacy remains strong in the lives of her family and friends, in the form of the Cheer for Life Gymnastics Academy.The 16-year-old cheerleader was killed Jan. 8 when her car collided with a Hillsdale District bus at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and Fry Road.As a way of dealing with her death, Sheridan's aunt, Brenda Cherry, and her cousin, Tera Martin, opened the academy, providing competitive all-star cheerleading teams and instruction."Cheer for Life was actually Erika's (computer) screen name," Cherry said.Sheridan's favorite colors pink, black and silver adorn the walls, as well as one of her favorite sayings: "Always be happy ... never be satisfied.""My favorite memory of her is no matter how good she was, it was never good enough," Cherry said.With Sheridan's memory pushing them, Cherry and Martin devoted themselves to creating a place for others to pursue excellence."We took loans out. We put our houses and cars up for this," Martin said.The sounds of laughter and chatter fills the room, as youth refine their tumbling and cheering skills."We hoped for 70 kids our first month, when we more than doubled that number, we were like 'Holy Cow,'" Cherry said.Although a little nervous from the financial commitment, Martin doesn't regret the decision to open the academy."There was this little girl who hadn't been able to do a back handspring ... and when she finally did one, she ran up to me and gave me this big hug. That's why I do it," Martin said.For information about classes, call (419) 853-4645.Business editor and health reporter Naomi Snyder can be reached at (330) 287-3 or e-mail nsnyder@the-daily-record.com.